UNS — The Faculty of Engineering (FT) Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta assists the Covid-19 patient handling in the Regional Hospital (RSUD) dr. Moewardi by producing nasal cannula. The production process was held under the Getaran Laboratory Mechanical Engineering Program FT UNS and RSUD dr. Moewardi collaboration, through a 3D printer.
The production team is led by Ubaidillah, Ph.D and four members: Dr. Eng. Aditya Rio Prabowo, Didik Djoko Susilo, S.T., M.T., Wibowo, S.T., M.T., and Dharu Feby Smaradhana, S.T., M.Sc. Through an official release Ubaidillah, Ph. D on Thursday (15/7/2021) mentioned that the hospital is experiencing an overcapacity due to the spike in the number of Covid-19 patients seeking treatment. This condition leads to the shortage of nasal cannula as a High Flow Nasal Cannula (HFNC) component. The hospital is also experiencing difficulties with the supply and the high usage of the tool.
“Patient handling is obstructed because of the shortage of therapy tools compared to the high number of Covid-19 patients receiving treatment. HFNC needs high stream nasal cannula installed on patient’s nose,” Ubaidillah, Ph. D., stated. He added that HFNC is used to send additional oxygen for COvid-19 patients to improve breathing with a flow rate of about 30- 90l/min. “The normal nasal cannula cannot be use for flow rate about 30- 90l/min,” he explained. This condition arises because, based on the simulation result, they found that the speed and pressure from the HFNC outlet are different from the standard cfd.
Ubaidillah, Ph. D explained that the production process carried out by his team will answer the shortage of the tools. He added that the nasal cannula his team produced could be used for patients other than Covid-19. “For patients with Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Restrictive Thoracic Diseases (RTD), Obesity Hypoventilation Syndrome 5, chest wall deformities, neuromuscular disease, and Decompensated Obstructive Sleep Apnea,” he added. “The molding of the nasal cannula will also increase the production process,” he concluded. Humas UNS
Reporter: Yefta Christopherus AS
Editor: Dwi Hastuti